This episode is next in the podcast series, #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions.  These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (a rarely asked but should be asked) question.  In today’s episode, Patti unveils the myriad of ways that criminals use to defraud and take advantage of innocent investors and consumers.  From complex Ponzi schemes to “too good to be true” annuity ploys, investors need to be wary of these predators.  Listen today to hear the latest tactics to be aware of so you can protect your portfolio and the financial futures of those you care about.

This episode is next in the podcast series, #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions.  These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (a rarely asked but should be asked question).  Not many people have been talking about a law that was passed at the end of 2022 called the Secure Act 2.0.  This law affects everyone’s retirement planning in some way or another and it’s very important that retirees sit down with a qualified professional to ascertain which changes in this law apply to them.  In this episode, Patti uncovers the big pieces of this law and offers actionable steps to take to benefit from those changes.

The first quarter of the year brings resolutions, new corporate goals and strategies, as well as meetings with advisors and accountants.  There are certainly many tax saving strategies that good financial advisors and tax accountants implement throughout the year and not just at “tax time,” – but there are also many other issues to consider to maximize earnings potential and tax saving opportunities in your portfolio, and the beginning of the year is just the time to review them.  Patti reviews “The Three R’s” and gives actionable steps and strategies for the investor to implement right now.

America is well into the first quarter of the New Year, and most can agree that saying goodbye to 2022 was good riddance!  Everybody seemed to lose value in their portfolios, and the stocks and bonds markets were both down in the same year, which has only happened three times in history!  Is 2023 going to be more of the same?  Patti and her Chief Investment Officer, Brad Everett, review all that transpired in 2022 and look forward to this year with a renewed sense of optimism amidst rumors of an impending recession.  What are the bright spots in the economy, and what should investors be discussing with their advisors?  Is there an economic recession in our future?  Patti and Brad discuss their thoughts on recent trends and the implications that these have on financial planning and the success of portfolio performance.

This episode is next in the podcast series, #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions.  These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (a rarely asked but should be asked) question.  Today’s episode was produced in response to many questions submitted to us by listeners who are wondering what specific actions should be taken to protect their retirement portfolios, particularly as it pertains to the looming debt ceiling.  Patti addresses their concerns with actionable steps to take today to help preserve retirement assets while maintaining a healthy emergency fund.  She also reminds investors not to confuse stable with safe – what is the difference?  Listen today to find out!

This episode is next in the podcast series, #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions.  These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (a rarely asked but should be asked) question.  In this episode, Patti invites three of her Client Service Associates into the studio to discuss some of the issues they have dealt with for clients who have not properly communicated their final wishes to their loved ones.  From unknown passwords to outdated beneficiary designations, it is not uncommon for people to overlook putting important security or personal information in an easy-to-find document for loved ones in case of emergency – or even worse, at the time of their passing.  Patti’s Client Service team reviews an important list they’ve created to prevent these things from happening to others.

Patti welcomes old friend, Gregg Stebben, back into the studio to hear about his recent travel to Poland and Ukraine.  Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Gregg has traveled there several times after meeting with the only ex-Russian Parliament member to vote against the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ilya Ponomarev.  Together, they authored the book “Does Putin Have to Die?”.  In today’s episode, Patti and Gregg chronologically review Russian history and the political decisions and actions that have brought Russia and Ukraine to the war they are in today.  Gregg shares his personal experiences while trying to make a positive impact amidst unimaginable adversity and offers a unique perspective on what it will take to end this conflict and bring democracy back to the region.  This episode of humanitarian struggle and resilience is not to be missed!

This episode is next in the podcast series, #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions.  These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (a rarely asked but should be asked) question.  With the markets down, the question is often raised, “Should I Pay Off My Debts?”  Patti cautions about making sweeping decisions regarding debt management because there is good debt and bad debt.  Listen today to learn the difference and to know when, or more importantly, how to pay down certain debts.  The short-term and long-term implications of your financial plan should always be understood.

This episode is next in the podcast series, #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions.  These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (a rarely asked but should be asked) question.  In this episode, Patti sits down with one of her Portfolio Consultants, Spencer Peet, to discuss various investment opportunities to hedge against inflation.  One investment tool that is getting a lot of attention in the media lately is I Bonds.  Patti and Spencer discuss the best way to utilize these in a portfolio and also offer other alternatives to use in this inflationary marketplace.

This episode is next in the podcast series #AskPattiBrennan - a series of episodes in which Patti answers one of her listener’s frequently asked questions.  These podcasts are shorter in length and address one FAQ or RAQ (a rarely asked but should be asked) question. In this episode, Patti acknowledges that we are in the midst of one of the worst bear markets she can remember.  With losses in almost every market and investment vehicle, it may be surprising to learn that there are significant opportunities for the investor today.  Patti explains these opportunities and educates the listener on the advantages of tax loss harvesting.  Speak with your advisor today before the year closes out to see how you can maximize these opportunities within your own portfolio.